Wax, Cindy Lee Berryhill, Gayle Skidmore | Acoustic Evenings | Athenaeum Music & Arts Library | San Diego Local Music | La Jolla Concert

The series opens on Friday, May 16, with Wax, Cindy Lee Berryhill, and Gayle Skidmore. Gold-record recipient Wax is mostly known as a rapper with millions of views on YouTube to show for it. He is also a producer, songwriter, singer, and comedian. A founding member of the New York City Anti-folk movement, Cindy Lee Berryhill emerged as a distinctive voice in alternative music in the late 1980s. With a legacy of critically acclaimed albums, she continues to inspire with her signature mix of folk, rock, and social commentary. Seven-time San Diego Music Award nominee Gayle Skidmore has written over 2,500 songs since she began composing at age 8. A multi-instrumentalist trained in classical piano, Skidmore has mastered over 20 instruments and blends folk, pop, and classical influences into her award-winning songwriting.



Wax
Wax is primarily known as a rapper but is also a producer, songwriter, singer, comedian, and all-around creative force. He has been making music for many years now and has a gold record and millions of views on YouTube to show for it. His songs have a wide range of styles and cater to many different types of audiences. Some are advanced technical displays of rap wordplay, some are heartfelt tales of struggle, and some are inspirational numbers containing optimistic advice and/or guidance. His new album, Lifetime Achievement Award, is a groovy, introspective, and eclectic masterpiece guaranteed to knock your socks clean off.



Cindy Lee Berryhill
San Diego Music Hall of Fame member Cindy Lee Berryhill emerged as a distinctive voice in alternative music during the late 1980s. Her 1987 debut album, Who’s Gonna Save the World? (Rhino Records), featuring the popular track “Damn, I Wish I Was a Man,” was praised for its straightforward and humorous approach. Her career has been characterized by provocative lyrics, compelling melodies, and extensive touring alongside prominent acts like Peter Buck (REM), David Lindley, and The Smithereens. She was a founding member of the New York City Anti-folk movement, which inspired Beck, Michelle Shocked, and others. Her influence grew through her involvement in diverse musical ventures and collaborations such as those with Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Group), who produced her second record.



Berryhill’s third album, Garage Orchestra (Cargo Records), released in 1994, marked a departure into Tin Pan Alley meets Beach Boys meets Patti Smith–inspired compositions, highlighting her musical versatility. Her politically charged song “When Did Jesus Become a Republican?” gained considerable attention in 2006 after being prominently featured on Neil Young’s Living with War Today website. Her music has served as a means to navigate personal challenges and connect with audiences, particularly evident in her albums Beloved Stranger (2008) and The Adventurist (2017), which reflect on her late husband’s legacy and her own life moving forward.

Gayle Skidmore
A born songwriter, seven-time San Diego Music Award nominee Gayle Skidmore has written over 2,500 songs since she began songwriting at the age of 8. Her natural ability and innate passion for music made her career inevitable, and her tumultuous life has given her plenty of inspiration. Translating her experiences into song has been more than just personally fulfilling. She won Best Pop in the 2015 San Diego Music Awards, Best Pop Album for Sleeping Bear in 2014, and Best Singer-Songwriter in 2013. Classically trained on the piano from the age of 4, she plays over 20 instruments, including the mountain dulcimer, banjo, folk harp, and balalaika.